Skin Benefit
Anti-inflammatory & antimicrobial; soothes acne/eczema, tones, supports cell renewal.
Spiritual Benefit
Used in Indian and Southeast Asian skin balms for centuries for inflammation, irritation, and scarring.
The record
In use for 1,000+ years
Origin
The humid hillsides of Southeast Asia and India.
Harvested
The leaves are picked, lightly fermented, dried, and distilled, and the oil gets deeper as it ages.
Cultural impact
Silk and cashmere shipped east-to-west came layered in patchouli leaves to guard the cloth, so the scent of patchouli became the scent of luxury goods themselves.
Traditional use
Layered into textiles against moths, and worn on skin in oils that ground bright blends with earth and depth.
